Browns CB Joe Haden suspended 4 games

Browns cornerback Joe Haden has been suspended for four games due to a violation of the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Haden tested positive for the prescription drug Adderall during the offseason and was notified of the violation last month. Haden appealed, but the league denied that appeal Monday, so Haden will be suspended for those four games immediately.

Fantasy Analysis:

Haden was a huge reason -- probably the biggest reason -- why Cleveland allowed the second-fewest passing yards per game last season. Their pass defense changes completely without him. The Browns face the Bengals, Bills, Ravens and Giants over the next four weeks. With Haden unavailable, that means A.J. Green, Steve Johnson, Torrey Smith and Hakeem Nicks should have an easier go of it. Haden will be eligible to return in Week 6.

The loss of Haden makes Cleveland the epitome of a swiss cheese defense. Not to mention the offense struggles so badly that the defense spends extra time on the field. Bad combo, but the bonus is that you're no relying on Cleveland's D on your roster, right?!

Posted by:
deejaygraves 09/11/12 08:51 AM

ups

Posted by:
Jlinefootball2 09/11/12 01:22 PM

so, would anyone start Hawkins as thier WR3 or Flex?

Posted by:
osudude 09/15/12 01:31 PM

I would.

Hell, I'm in a 12-team, three-WR non-PPR league with a flex, and I am fairly sure I am going to start him somewhere over Nate Washington, Kendall Wright, Danny Amendola and/or Dexter McCluster. He's gonna get targets, and the matchup is fantastic.